Student Perspectives from LSU’s College of Engineering

Tag: Financial Aid

Did you miss the Financial Literacy Workshop “Dollars and Sense, Watch Your Expense” held by Engineering Student Services? If so, we’ve compiled a list of the top financial tips from the event into an infographic!

My name is Andrew Hall and I am the Recruiting Associate for the College of Engineering at LSU. In this role, I get to interact with prospective students as they make decisions about college. My favorite part of my job is traveling to high schools and college fairs across the country to speak with prospective students. Much like planning a trip requires a lot of preparation, so does preparing for the college admissions process! Below are some practical ways that I plan for travel, which can also help you plan your next steps in the admissions process.

1. Plan your destination: Before I take any trip, I have to decide a location and conduct extensive research on the area. As a senior, this is the first step in your college admissions process. One of the best places to start is the University’s admission site. Typically these sites have landing pages to other Departments, like the College of Engineering. Once you have done your research and visited campus, you may want to consider applying. Applying early is highly encouraged, but if you have not submitted your application, no worries. The deadline to apply for the Fall 2015 semester without incurring a late fee is April 15, 2015. You can access the LSU Application for Admissions here.

LSU Quad: Photo courtesy of LSU

2. Plan where you are going to stay: Now that you have in mind where you want to go, you need to figure out where you want to stay. Although it is not required for students to live on campus, it is highly recommended. Residential life provides several on-campus living options, including a residential college program. The ERC (Engineering Residential College) provides a unique living and learning environment for our first year engineering students. Students who choose to live in a residential college take classes in their Hall and are also exposed to events that are put on by industry professionals. The residential college is also a fantastic way to meet other students in your program.

The LSU “ERC” or North Hall

Additionally, residential life also offers traditional residential halls, which are not major specific. The traditional halls offer a diverse range of living accommodations and no matter which hall select, you will have the opportunity to live near some amazing campus resources. If you are interested in living on campus, I highly encourage you to complete a housing application as soon as possible.

3. Secure your spot: Just like any other trip, you need to secure your spot at LSU! A $250 enrollment deposit, which indicates an intent to enroll at LSU, is required by all entering freshman and is due by May 1, 2015. The enrollment deposit is not an additional expense, but rather a pre-payment that is deducted from your fall tuition costs. To pay your enrollment deposit, log in to myLSU. Select Student Services from the menu list, then Application Status.

4. Acquire the necessary documents: When you travel, you always need to make sure that you have the necessary documentation ready. Whether it is a passport, proper tax documents, or even flight itineraries, you always want to be prepared for your trip. As an incoming student there are several important items that you must complete before you can enroll at LSU.

If you would like to apply for need-based financial aid, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. You may apply for FAFSA after January 1,2015 and it is recommended to do so as soon as possible. LSU’s code is 002010 for FAFSA. For more information regarding FAFSA, visit our Financial Aid website.

Another important thing to do is register for new student orientation. Orientation is a wonderful way to get acclimated with the University and it is required for all incoming students. We also offer orientation sessions for parents and family members of our new Tigers! The deadline to register for orientation is May 1, 2015.

LSU Ambassadors – Engineering Orientation Leaders

Lastly, be sure that LSU has received all of your documents! To do so, you will need to submit final transcripts from all schools attended. A list of transcripts needed and received can be found in “Documents Received” on your myLSU account. Select Student Services, then Application Status in the main menu.

5. Enjoy the travel and planning process: College will go by very fast, and so will your senior year. Although it can seem stressful at times, remember to enjoy the time leading up to your trip. Enjoy the last few months of high school, because before you know it your big trip will be here!

I hope this outline helps you navigate through the admissions process, and if you ever need any assistance please do not hesitate to contact anyone in our office!